25-0006 IFB - DOJ Bureau of Investigation Helicopter Services for DOJ Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Program Central Region

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued Invitation for Bid #25-0006-IFB for helicopter services supporting the Bureau of Investigation's Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Program in the Central Region. The procurement seeks one Bell 407 helicopter with comprehensive pilot, fuel, and maintenance support to conduct reconnaissance missions across 22 Central California counties. The contracted helicopter must be equipped and certified to meet national Inter-Agency inspection standards set by the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior by May 1, 2025, with capabilities to operate at 6,000 feet pressure altitude and meet specific payload requirements. The bid evaluation will consider both daily availability rates and hourly flight rates, using an estimated 220 flight hours and 180 days of availability per year for comparative analysis. The contract term spans two years, from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, with a primary operational period of July 1 through September 30 in both 2025 and 2026, and potential for optional use periods. The bid submission deadline is March 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM PST, with bid opening scheduled for March 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM PST.

The contract includes a mandatory 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement, with additional preferences available for Small/Micro Businesses and Non-Small Business Subcontractors. The procurement is contingent on Budget Act funding, which may impact final contract execution. Potential bidders must demonstrate compliance with DVBE participation guidelines and meet specific technical and operational qualifications for helicopter services. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the contract suggests a competitive bidding process open to qualified helicopter service providers capable of meeting the DOJ's stringent operational requirements. The solicitation does not specify a precise budget range, but the evaluation will use 220 flight hours and 180 days of availability as baseline metrics for comparing bid proposals. Interested vendors must carefully review the full solicitation document to understand the comprehensive requirements for this specialized helicopter service contract supporting cannabis eradication efforts in California's Central Region.